On September 27, 2024, the Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts (SLF APA) students performed in the World Peace Day and United Nations Day celebrations hosted by the Global Peace Foundation. Held at the Shahu Mahal Banquet Hall in Lakewood, California, this year’s event centered around the theme “UN for US: Unity and Diversity.” Distinguished guests, Including Mayor Todd Rogers of Lakewood, and Vice Mayor Cindy Allen of Long Beach, Dr. Lalith P. Chandradasa, Consul General of Sri Lanka, attended in support of this vision of global harmony. Achala Weerasinghe, SLF APA’s Operational Director, represented the Academy and connected with event VIPs, including Dr. Manorama Sharma Gupta, Founder and President of the Global Peace Foundation. SLF APA Senior Students Shyanna Stanislaus, Senuri Pilana Manage, and Methaya Wijemunige performed a traditional Sri Lankan dance, showcasing the nation’s rich cultural heritage alongside performances from other countries. Their presence highlighted the powerful
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ගුරු වරම් ලැබ ගෙන සබයෙන් වරම් ගනිමින සිව් වරම් බලයෙන බසී ඇදුරා වරම් ගනිමින! On August 18th, 2024, the Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts held its annual Silambu Mangalya (Ceremony of Awarding Silambu) at the Mindfulness Meditation Center – Covina Los Angeles Buddhist Vihara. This traditional event celebrates students who are preparing to graduate, marking an important milestone in their journey in Sri Lankan dance and music. In Sri Lankan arts and cultural traditions, a beginner’s journey in dance or music culminates in becoming formally recognized as a dancer or musician after mastering their craft. As part of this ritual, dancers don a ceremonial headdress, while musicians receive their instruments from their teachers in a significant rite of passage. With blessings from their teachers and family, students then showcase their skills before experts in their respective fields. This process signifies their readiness to practice independently. This cultural rite,
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On August 6, 2024, the Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts (SLF APA) conducted an inspiring workshop for students at the Los Angeles Performing Arts Conservatory (LAPAC) on Pico Boulevard. Led by the talented instructors Nirosha Wijegunasekare and Akila Palipana, with guidance from SLF APA Director Achala Weerasinghe, this engaging session celebrated Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage by introducing participants to traditional dance forms that have been preserved through generations, each showcasing its unique movement styles. The workshop immersed attendees in a variety of dance forms rooted in ancient rituals, emphasizing their narrative power through rhythm, reverence, and resilience. Each movement created a vibrant and graceful symphony that captured the essence of Sri Lankan culture. A highlight of the workshop was the Kandyan Dance, closely linked to the Kohomba Kankariya, a majestic celebration that invokes divine blessings from Kandy. Participants also explored the lively Low Country Dance, associated with
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The Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts recently hosted a vibrant and educational workshop at the APA Main Studio dedicated to the rich traditions of Sri Lankan dance and performance. This engaging event, designed specifically for the students, focused on the intricate aspects of traditional dancing costumes and makeup, offering an immersive experience of Sri Lanka’s conventional dancing costumes. The workshop, conducted by the school’s teachers Nirosha Wijegunasekare, Akila Palipana, and Umendra Kahadawaarachchi, aimed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the artistic significance of traditional Sri Lankan dance attire. Participants were guided through the process of donning costumes correctly, ensuring that each element of their attire was worn with precision and respect for its cultural significance. In addition to costume guidance, the workshop also delved into the art of traditional makeup. Students learned the techniques required to apply makeup that enhances their performance while preserving the authenticity
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The 2024 Sri Lanka Day Virtual Global Celebrations, presented by the Sri Lanka Foundation International, premiered to a worldwide audience on August 17th, 2024. Suffice it to say that Sri Lanka’s vibrant historical heritage and culture were showcased through splendid cultural performances from diverse corners of the globe. All that and more while being entertained by breathtaking fashion, traditional drums, and music from around the world, all enjoyed in the comfort of your homes. Here is a snapshot of our performing groups: The Global Celebrations began with a special tribute to our sponsors, whose invaluable partnership was instrumental in the event’s success. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Techno Dad, Sunland Group of Companies, J Med Supply Inc., Anon Catering, Uniformity, Holy Family Alumni Association of California, and Antonette Duval from Wells Fargo for their generous support. Their contributions were crucial in making this event a resounding success. Achala Weerasinghe,
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Balboa Gifted/High Ability Magnet Elementary School’s annual talent show, “Balboa’s Got Talent 2024,” was held on May 30th, 2024, and two students from the Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts managed to steal the show. Vosandi Kavithya and Sethumi Athukorala delivered a performance that left the audience in awe, showcasing their talent and exceeding expectations for their age group. The girls set the stage ablaze with a modern rendition of “Suraba Walliya,” a traditional Sri Lankan low country dance. “Suraba Walliya” is a type of “kolam natum,” which translates to “mask dance,” and is typically performed by women. The performance is accompanied by a unique melody and the rhythmic beats of the low country drum. The lyrics themselves describe the joy experienced by the audience, the dancer, and even the gods as the “Suraba Walliya” unfolds. Kavithya and Athukorala’s modern take on this cultural treasure captivated the audience. Their
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On Sunday, January 28, 2024, the Sri Lanka Foundation auditorium buzzed with anticipation and excitement as participants gathered for the “Awaken Your Inner Warrior” workshop. Hosted by the Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts, this event promised a journey into self-discovery, anti-aging techniques, stress release, mindfulness, and breathing exercises, led by the esteemed spiritual instructor Nadil Silva. Nadil Silva, a Sri Lankan native currently residing in Sweden, brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the workshop. With a BSc from the University of Peradeniya and an MSc from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, Nadil’s academic background is as impressive as his practical expertise. He is actively engaged in martial arts and a respected figure in cultural mediation, combining these disciplines to offer a unique and holistic approach to spiritual instruction. The workshop began with a warm welcome from Achala Weerasinghe, the Operational Director of the Sri Lanka Foundation
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On Sunday, May 19th, 2024, a distinguished delegation from the Accrediting Commission of Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC) conducted the six-year accreditation review of the Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts (APA). This review follows the Academy’s initial accreditation in 2019, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards academic excellence and continuous improvement. The school’s evaluation aligned rigorously with the ACS WASC Self-Study criteria, ensuring a thorough and multifaceted assessment. Key areas of focus included organization for student learning, curriculum, instruction and assessment, student personal and academic support, and the overall school culture and environment. Elizabeth Oberreiter, Director of ACS WASC, led the on-site evaluation with a meticulous approach. Her visit involved detailed classroom observations, providing insights into instructional quality and student engagement. Ms. Oberreiter engaged in comprehensive discussions with randomly selected parents and students. She also observed the academy’s resources, including the library,
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The Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts (SLF APA) gave a spectacular performance at the grand celebration of Sri Lanka’s 76th Independence Day in Los Angeles, California. This event was held with immense pride and patriotic fervor, and was a true testament to the cultural richness and heritage of Sri Lanka. The Independence Day anniversary was celebrated by the Counsel General Office of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles with the Sri Lanka America Association of Southern California, bringing together Sri Lankan expatriates and friends of Sri Lanka. The talented dancers from the SLF APA took center stage, captivating the audience with their mesmerizing performance. The island nation’s rich cultural tapestry was celebrated with the rhythmic beats and the graceful movements of Kandyan dance. As the melodies of traditional music filled the air and the dancers moved in perfect harmony, spectators were reminded of the profound connection that binds them
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මගේ සිරිලක ගැන – ලොවට කියමි මම​ සුරපුරයක් වෙන – ලොවේ මෙවැනි නැත​ සරු පස පොළොවෙ න් – වැහි බිඳු අහසි න් මුතු කැට මිණී කැට – මගෙ සිරිලක ඇත​. (By Miranda Hemalatha) February 4th marked the 76th anniversary of Sri Lanka gaining independence from colonial rule. Sri Lankan National Day, also referred to as Independence Day, is a significant Sri Lankan holiday observed annually. It celebrates the nation’s liberation from British colonial rule in 1948. This commemoration is widely celebrated nationwide with various festivities, including flag-hoisting ceremonies, vibrant dances, captivating parades, and cultural performances, symbolizing the spirit of unity and national pride. The Southern California celebration of Sri Lanka’s 76th National Independence Day occurred on February 3rd, 2024. The Independence Day anniversary was celebrated by the Counsel General Office of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles with the Sri Lanka America Association of Southern California, bringing together Sri Lankan expatriates
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